ICF Türkiye and ATSO Hold Coaching and Leadership Meeting in Antalya

The "Coaching-Driven Thought and Leadership" event, organised in Antalya in collaboration with the International Coach Federation (ICF) Turkey and ATSO, was successfully held with broad participation.

The event addressed the multifaceted contribution of the coaching approach to leadership competencies, self-awareness and decision-making processes. Beyza Erdem Balcı, Chair of the ICF Turkey Board of Directors, emphasised that coaching-based leadership is founded on unlocking potential rather than directing. The programme also featured the ATSO Vocational High Schools Coaching & Mentoring Project. Educators, mentors and students shared their experiences regarding the project. The event demonstrated that coaching is a powerful development tool in both the business world and the education sector.

The "Coaching-Driven Thought and Leadership" event, organised in Antalya in collaboration with the International Coach Federation (ICF) Turkey and Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO), was successfully held with broad participation. At the event, the contribution of the coaching approach to leadership competencies, self-awareness, effective communication and sound decision-making processes was addressed through comprehensive sessions.

The programme, which opened with remarks by ATSO Board Chair Yusuf Hacısüleyman, was attended by Ilhan Çolakoğlu, Provincial Director of the Antalya Employment and Occupations Organisation (İŞKUR), ATSO Board and Assembly members, sector representatives, educators and students.

"Coaching-Based Thought Leadership: From Directing to Opening the Way"
Speaking in the first session of the programme, Beyza Erdem Balcı, Chair of the ICF Turkey Board of Directors, drew attention to the transformation of modern leadership understanding in her presentation titled "Coaching-Based Thought Leadership: From Directing to Opening the Way".

Balcı emphasised that today's leadership is no longer confined to a model of decision-making and direction-setting, and stated:

"True leadership is the ability to create space for people to realise their potential. The coaching approach supports individuals in generating their own solutions through self-awareness, powerful questioning, active listening and sense of responsibility. This enables sustainable success. The coaching approach in the business world clarifies goal-setting processes, increases decision-making quality, strengthens communication culture, and spreads trust and accountability in organisations. The future of leadership will be shaped by an 'awareness-based' understanding."

Awareness, organisational development and experience sharing were addressed.
At the event, Dr. Murat Kaplan provided participants with new and deeper perspectives through his presentation on awareness. Sehel Türk, Education Director of Antalya OSB, shared assessments on the role of coaching in development processes and its contributions to organisations. Members of the Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs Association (JCI) Antalya Branch added a practice-focused dimension to the programme by sharing through experiential accounts the impact of coaching on their professional lives.

Coaching and Mentoring Model in Vocational High Schools
In the second part of the event, "From Role Model to Companionship – ATSO Vocational High Schools Coaching & Mentoring Project" was addressed. The session was moderated by Melike Yayla, Founder of Anda Education and Coaching and ICF Member Professional Coach.

Sector representatives, mentors, teachers and students shared the impacts of coaching and mentoring work conducted in vocational high schools on young people's career awareness, self-confidence and future vision. The programme demonstrated that coaching is a powerful development tool not only in the business world but also in the education sector.

The "Coaching-Driven Thought and Leadership" event was a strong reflection of ICF Turkey's vision of bringing coaching culture together with different stakeholders and transforming understanding of leadership.